limit of selection???

From: A.C.H. (br.hessels_at_planet.nl)
Date: 08/19/04 

Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2004 23:35:54 +0000 (UTC)

I've seen various lists dealing with "limits of selection"; reasons
why natural selection would not result in perfect (or optimal)
adaptation. (Dawkins, Mark Ridley, Mayr).

The following reason is, i believe, not in those lists:

because an adaptation is caused by its selection pressure, it can not
escape its selection pressure.

Again:
The adaptation is linked to whatever selects it, it can not outperform
it.

Again:
an example: a prey will never be able to definitely outperform its
predator, because there is no selection beyond what's actually doing
the selecting (the predator).

This link between selection and adaptation is, i believe, a big part
of the reason why ecosystems don't fall apart, so it's important....

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